I had been in my room for two hours with five maids ensuring I looked perfect. I had a bath, and they scrubbed every inch of my body. Then they dressed me in the new gown my mother had chosen for this occasion—a beautiful, long pink dress. They sprayed my whole body with rose perfume and adorned me with diamond earrings and a heart necklace. 

Looking at myself in the mirror, I wanted to scream. I looked like a finely wrapped present ready to be given away for someone else to enjoy. I am not a present. I am a person. I need to find a way out of this marriage—Maker help me!

"Derya, darling, we need to go. Everyone is ready and waiting for you," I heard my mother say. I turned to see her standing at the door, looking at me. "You look really beautiful; that dress suits you so well," she said kindly.

"Thank you, Mother," I replied to her compliment. "I am ready to go."

"Good!" she said, with tears in her eyes.

"Please, Mom, don't cry. Everything will be fine," I said, trying to comfort her.

"I wish I could do something. I wish I could protect you from him. You know that if I could do something about this situation, I would, right?"

"Of course, Mom, I understand," I said, and she hugged me.

After a moment, we left the room and went to meet the others in the living room.

"Finally," said my father when he saw us walking down the stairs. "The last thing we need is to be late for their arrival."

"We are ready. Sorry for the wait," I said to my father.

"It doesn't matter now, does it?" said my father angrily. "Let's go," he motioned to all of us.

We stepped out of the palace and got into the carriage. Once the carriage started to move, I leaned my head against the window and didn't talk to anyone for the whole ride. After some time, we reached the borders and started preparing for their arrival. Everyone was running around trying to make the place look perfect and welcoming, while I was sitting in a corner trying to be invisible. Today is not about me but about the Fae prince—our savior and my captor.

"They are here!" I heard someone shout. Suddenly, my father appeared in front of me, dragging me away from my corner and putting me near the rest of the family.

"You better act like the perfect wife for the prince," my father said to me.

I stood with my mother and siblings while my father opened the border, allowing their carriage to enter our land. Once the carriage stopped, a man stepped out. He was young and, I have to admit, handsome. When our eyes locked, I immediately knew it was him. His dark brown hair absorbed all the light, and his black eyes could kill you just by looking at you.

My father welcomed them the moment they stepped out of the carriage, introducing himself to the three men. Then he called my name, and I found myself walking towards them.

"This is my daughter, Derya," he introduced me, and I bowed before them.

"Nice to meet you, Princess Derya. I am King Peter, the ruler of the Fae court, and this is my son, Aeden. He is the heir to the throne," the elder said to me in a kind voice.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty," I said, bowing my head to him. I then turned to the prince, bowing my head again. "Your Highness."

"The pleasure is all ours," said the king, smiling, while his son stood there looking at me with a blank expression I couldn't read.

We stayed there looking at each other for what felt like an eternity until the third man pulled my attention to him.

"Pleased to finally meet you, Your Highness. I am the general of the Fae court," he introduced himself.

"Welcome to our court," I said with a smile and walked over to my family, leaving the two men behind.

When I reached the place where my family and King Peter were, I saw the two men following close behind. I went straight to my mother and sister, who were discussing flower arrangements for the upcoming wedding. Sometimes they remembered that it was my wedding, so they asked for my thoughts on their suggestions. Most of the time, I just followed them around the shops, wishing all of this would end sooner so I could go home and continue my painting. I never liked these kinds of events; the only thing I needed to do was attend and act properly. Only this time, I wouldn't return to my room when the evening was over.

"Gentlemen!" my father called out, pulling me from my thoughts. "Why don't we all go to the palace for a meal so you can relax after your long trip?"

"That is a great idea, Edward," said King Peter. "Thank you!"

After that, we all went back to our carriages and started the trip back home. As we traveled, I looked out the window in silence, as I always did, but I found myself thinking about him. Is he always like that? Will he ignore me for the rest of our lives? How is he behind closed doors? Is he kinder or more of a monster? These questions consumed my thoughts during the ride, but no answers came to mind.

At least I wish I could make him hate me—not that it will be hard, considering the way he treated me twenty minutes ago—so we can both get out of this situation as quickly as possible.